For the last few years, we have worked hard at raising awareness of cerebral palsy, cortical vision impairment and childhood cancer, especially hepatoblastoma.We figure, the more awareness we raise, the more likely it is that people will understand Dexter and his disabilities... And, the more acceptance and understanding there is, the easier and more inclusive his life will be.Raising awareness is not easy.We work hard at it.We've also worked really hard at fundraising. So far, we have raised $25,000 on behalf of Dexter. We have plans to raise more... I think it is something we will always do. We've seen just how much of a difference fundraising can make for people. We've been the benefactors of several fundraising events, for Dexter, which have allowed us to provide him with vital equipment we would otherwise have had to go without.

And so... the #icebucketchallenge... There will be an #IceBucketChallenge held for Dexter!

The #icebucketchallenge idea has raised so much money, and has lead to the words Motor Neurone Diseasebeing spoken again, and again, and again. The Australian Motor Neurone Disease website claims over $700,000 has been raised, from 14,000 supporters - because of the #icebucketchallenge. And, the #icebucketchallenge has only been in Australia for two weeks!

The #IceBucketChallenge rules1. Fill a bucket (or larger container) with water and ice2. Tip it over your head3. Challenge three other people to take the Ice Bucket Challenge within 48 hours4. If nominees don't take the Ice Bucket Challenge within 48 hours they make a donatation to an MND charity.Of course you can take the challenge AND make a donation and ask the people you nominate to do the same!

People with MND progressively lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and breathe, whilst their mind and senses usually remain intact

Average life expectancy is 27 months

An estimated 1,900 people have MND in Australia

For every person diagnosed with MND it is estimated that a further 14 members of their family and their friends will live with the effect of MND forever

In our area, there are a few people with Motor Neurone Disease.One family has had to watch two family members pass away from MND, aged 55 and 57. A third member of the family has also been diagnosed with MND, and he is in his early thirties.They have started a facebook page - The Regal Regiments Fighters. (Visit their page, give them a like and tell them Dexter sent you.)

We're happy to say, the Kiama Independent and the Lake Times Staff have decided to complete the #icebucketchallenge and they are doing it in honour of our local family who are all too familiar with MND. Adam has Motor Neurone Disease, and he will be one of the people pouring icy water over the newspaper staff.If you want to join in the fun, it will be at the Kiama Surf Beach northern carpark, at 4pm this Friday.Well done, Kiama Independent and Lake Times!

We're also very happy to say, the trainers and staff at One Fitness 24/7 are also completing an #icebucketchallenge.They are #DoingitforDexter and they will be throwing ice over their heads on Sunday the 31st of August, at 5pm, at the Sebel.

The trainers at One Fitness 24/7 are raising money for Dexter.The trainers are accepting bids, to see who will be the people to dump the buckets of icy water over them. They are also accepting donations, and some trainers are donating additional money for Dexter. We've not met the trainers, yet, but will do our best to get Dexter there for their #icebucketchallenge.